A bipartisan resolution urges leaders to condemn the phrase, “globalize the intifada.” The legislation describes the phrase as a “call to violence against Israeli and Jewish people across the world.”
The resolution, led by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Rudy Yakym (R-IN), demands that the phrase “be strongly and unequivocally condemned by national, State, and local leaders.”
“The slogan undermines the safety and security of Israeli and Jewish people in their communities,” the legislation says, noting that those “truly committed to Middle East peace should refrain from affirming, chanting, or displaying the slogan.”
Gottheimer said in a statement, as per Insider NJ, that it is “insane and unacceptable” that the “antisemitic rhetoric is spreading rampant across our country. Yakym, similarly, said that condemning the slogan should be “common sense,” criticizing those who “would rather play politics than tell the truth.”
The call for the resolution comes as New York City’s Zohran Mamdan has defended the slogan. “That’s not language that I use,” Mamdani told NBC’s Kristen Welker. “The language that I use and the language that I will continue to use to lead this city is that which speaks clearly to my intent, which is an intent grounded in a belief in universal human rights.”
Mamdani has since reiterated that he would “discourage” use of the phrase, reports suggest, although he has still failed to condemn the chant.
Numerous Democrats have questioned Mamdani’s stance on the phrase, with Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) stating, “What ‘globalize the intifada’ means is really wrong and should be condemned, and I look forward to my discussions with Mr. Mamdani.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) also called for Mamdani to clarify his position.
